I have thought a lot about Jesus temptation story, and have wondered what this could mean to me. Changing stones into bread or jumping from a high pinnacle or ruling the nations of the world do not register with me. None of these have been my wildest fantasy. I do get the point of not giving in to the tempter, but there has to be better application than that.
But to go a bit deeper, maybe there is a connection. Bread is basic but bread alone is boring. Sometimes I am lazy and settle for the boring. Bread alone is not much of a life... depth, challenges, even risk make life worthwhile. The high pinnacle story sounds like drama and excitement to the point of foolishness and danger. After all nothing will happen to me. I am invincible. A strange way of saying that no matter what I do, God will take care of me. Jesus is offered control over the nations of the world. Power. Many of us seek power. If I am in control I can guarantee the out come. I can guarantee the good life.
Jesus said "No, this is not how I will live my life, this is not how life is to be lived." A few verses later he tells us:
Blessed are those who are..
- Humble
- Show empathy
- Differentiate right from wrong
- Show mercy
- Are honest with themselves, with others and with God
This Lent I invite you to re-read Matthew 5, especially the Beatitudes. And I want to wish you a prayerful and thoughtful Lent. |